B2 – Upper Intermediate
Starting a new job is always exciting—but sometimes, the workplace isn’t what it seems. Toxic environments can quickly drain your energy, affect your mental health, and even impact your career growth. The good news? Many red flags appear right from the very first day. In this article, we’ll explore seven signs of a toxic workplace so you can spot them early and protect your well-being.
Read the article to learn the signs of a toxic workplace.
https://www.huffpost.com/entry/7-signs-of-toxic-workplace-goog_l_695fcefbe4b088e2524d6b5f
Vocabulary Questions:
- Define “harried“. “You can tell when people are stressed. Are they harried, are they curt? That’s not a sign of a healthy work culture.” Make a sentence and give a synonym.
- What does “decimated” mean? “If people stay too long, their self-esteem gets decimated and they don’t think they are good enough to do something else.” Use this in a sentence and give a synonym.
- What does “to mess with one’s head” mean? “Toxic jobs mess with your head.” Use this in a sentence and give a similar expression.
Discussion Questions:
- Why is it important to recognize toxicity in a workplace on the first day? How can early awareness help in making career decisions?
- “A toxic job should be avoided at all costs because the longer you are stuck in a stressful, backstabbing or exploitative work culture, the harder it is to escape it.” What is your opinion on this?
- What can employees and employers do to prevent toxicity in the workplace? Are there proactive measures that make a difference?
- Have you ever experienced or witnessed a toxic work environment? What signs were present, and how did you cope with it?